THE OVAL OFFICE

20JUL07. Friday. Went to a old Pensacola Florida Hang today, The Oval Office. This Dive Bar sells the best Burgers in town. The family and I went and shared lunch together. Man, what a good Burger. Later in the Evening, my wife and I went to the Blackwater Marina. Another Dive on the Water. Had a couple of drinks and just chatted. Haven't done that in a while. Unfortunately, the batteries in the camera died. So, no photos. Sorry. Still had a wonderful time. Doug

THE MASTERS

19JUL07. Thursday. Having a Blast. Got to Whiting Fields for some golfing with the Wife. Almost forgot how much of a blast the sport was. Made some decent shots. Later in the afternoon we went to the local Bowling Alley/Sports Bar for some family time. Bumped into some neighbors and got caught up on the local news. Kids were shocked and amazed that a couple of kids broke into the school and vandalized the place. One of the kids was charged with three counts of felony mischief. The funny thing - our boy spent a sleepover with on of these guys. Glad he wasn't involved. Well, I'm rambling. Getting Fat on some good Food and Good Times. Hope all is well with you. Take Care. Dug

ANOTHER DAY IN PARADISE

18JUL07. Wednesday. Well, had another wonderful day home. Almost got into a automobile crash while enroute to the University of West Florida. That would have been icing on the cake. No, it wasn't my fault. Still, had a neat time meeting with my wife's co-workers (again). Went to my folks house to find the Tree Service guys were cutting down several trees which were damaged during Hurricane Katrina. These guys were not the sharpest tools in the shed. Still, they provided several some lively entertainment. Tree almost crushed one of the guys. Having a decent time getting reacquainted with the kids again. Almost everyone in the family has grabbed the camera and snapped some pics. Terri made me promise not to include this one. Doug

Skinny Legs

16JUL07. Monday. Boy the time is flying by. Had a wonderful time at the BBQ/Pool Party yesterday. Was nice to see everyone and get re-aquainted with the Family. Almost forgot what Beer and a good Steak tasted like. Watched a little golf, swam in the pool, and generally had a wonderful time. Weather is a little overcast with some drizzle thrown in. Which is why I'm inside watching the tube. Well, actually I'm just channel surfing. Oh, before I forget. The boy was out camping with some friends. Didn't have a clue I was home. Think he about Shi# a Brick. The middle daughter was also taken aback. We all exchanged some tears. All this prior to the Pool Party. Today, we're having my folks over for a BBQ. Looks like the majority of action will be in the porch. It all good....Will get some pics into the fray. Take care. Doug

PS. My family is concerned that (1) my legs are skinny and (2) I'm so "White" (i.e., no skin color). Things we have to look forward to after getting home.

WELCOME HOME

15JUL07. Sunday. What an incredible welcome home. Had an early flight from North Carolina to Florida. Probably the longest 3-hours of travel I have taken to date. Was met at the airport by my wonderful bride, my eldest daughter, and dad. Pretty tearful reunion. Got all my gear then off to the house. The Town has changed a little - not much tho. The Kids put a "Welcome Home" Banner in the yard. Pretty darn nice. The Dogs didn't recognize me at first. However, they quickly warmed-up. Spent the remainder of the day getting reacquainted with the family. Had Pizza and Beer for Dinner. Haven't had that in a long, long, time. Later today we are invited to a BBQ/Pool Party. Already have my order in for a Steak. For those folks luck enough to work at the Taliban Sausage Festival, I'll be thinking of you.........Dug

VACATION WITH THE FAMILY

13JUL07. Friday. Just got word from the Guys at Fort Bragg. Seems I can take some well deserved time off. Don't have to be back there until 4AUG07. Wow! It's hard to believe. Also managed to get a ticket for Pensacola at a decent price. Sadly, Uncle Sam does not cover the travel expenses to get back home....shucks. The upside, I can sleep in, watch TV, and do nothing...Looking forward to it all. Doug

THE EAGLE HAS LANDED!!

12JUL07. Thursday. Finally have my boots back on US Soil. Man, forgot what green grass looked like. At the moment sipping a cold beer, the TV on in the background, and a bath to myself. I'm in heaven.....The Flight from Afghanistan to Germany only took 7.5 hours. I caught some ZZZZ's under a tied-down Humvee. Time went quite fast. Delayed for a new Aircrew while at Rheimstein. Afterwhich, we boarded the flight back to Pope AFB, North Carolina. After 9.5 hours we landed. Althought the flight was long and boring, we did manage to get some snooze time. At the ime of this writing, my body is telling me it's time to go to work. Looking at the clock, it's 11:05PM. Got a Rental Car and Hotel Room. Chatteed with Terri and the Kids quickly. The next few days will let me know what the heck is going on. Botthomline, AC, TV and my own Bath....Take out, cold beer, and movies on demand. Life is grand. Will say hello to all I can. Will update accordingly. Love Doug

MONDAY MONDAY

9JULY07. Monday. My apologies for not writing. There has been a lot going on lately. I simply was not able to get to the Blog. Please accept my apologies. The Rumor Mill has me going home within the next several weeks for additional training. Hopefully, I can coordinate some time with the Family. What sucks about the entire evolution is I can’t give any precise dates or times. Which obviously precludes any prior planning. Still, it looks like I will be stateside within the next several weeks. What I do not know is how long I will be able to stay. My intent is to try and take some vacation while back in the states. Will try to call tonight. Love Doug

4th OF JULY

3-4JUL07. Happy Birthday to the Nation and to Me. Thanks for all the wonderful cards, letters and presents. It’s very warming to know lots of folks really care. Missed yesterday because of the long hours. However, did celebrate today with a BBQ after work. Had a steak, ice cream (melted) and some day-old Cake. That evolution filled up about 45minutes. After which, we separated and went about our duties. For me, that meant going to the Hootch and getting ready for Bed. Still, it was a welcome change. A respite in and of itself. Again, thanks for the wonderful gifts, cards, thoughts and prayers. Thinking of you guys always. Take Care. Happy Fourth. Doug

NUTZ

2JUL07. Monday. So I’m nutz. Met with the Shrink for about an hour today and it’s official. I’m nutz. At least that’s what the voices in my head say. Ha ha. Okay, not so funny. Survived a battery of exams and profiles. Found out that I’m pretty well adjusted individual. Hell, I could have saved a lot of time and effort by telling them that. Oh well. Another day closer to the 4th of July. Happy Birthday to the Nation and Me….Think we are planning on the BBQ for tomorrow. Can’t wait. Will be a welcomed change. Well, my eyes are getting heavy. Will sign off for now. Love to all. Doug

DESERT CLASSIC

1JUL07. Sunday. Entered the Desert Classic today with my buddy. Actually took the clubs out and scuffed them a little. Whacked a couple beside the mine field. Was the worst field I have ever took a swing in. Regardless, it was fun to get out and whack a few balls. I’ve kinda lost my swing. But, ready and willing to get into the swing of things again. My buddy managed to whack a couple of good ones. Took some pics. So hopefully I’ll be able to upload the pics to accompany the blog. Thanks Ant Sharon. Oh, we’re going to have a BBQ in a few days. Cant’ wait. Will have some local food and steaks. Gives me something to look forward to. I Can’t wait. Well, my eyes are getting kinda heavy. Will take this opportunity to rack out. Gotta Stay healthy. Take Care. Doug

FRIENDS IN THE DESERT

30JUN07. Saturday. Closer to the weekend. Oh, it’s already here. A buddy of mine also has a blog. We managed to swap blog “links” one each other’s site. He is a Colorado State Trooper. His Blog is http://www.deserttrooper.blogspot.com/. So, if you want to see a colleague at work, check out his site. Probably just as boring as mine. Looks like the next flight from here to North Carolina will happen during mid-July. Lots of my buddies will be on it returning home. A good friend of mine, Tom might well be on the flight. His duration here is just about up. I have some time to go. Well, will try to get to the driving range tomorrow morning. It is after all, Sunday. Cheers. Doug

AM I NUTS?

29JUN07. Friday. Oh, it’s Friday already. Actually, I look forward to the weekends. Not that my Unit stops at all. Rather, the meetings which require our attendance stop. Which, is a nice reprieve. Before I forget, the Staff Physiologist had me complete a phy evaluation. Not that I’m nuts or anything. Seems I was to take this exam (a battery of different personality tests) before I came here. Is that a hoot or what? Wonder what they will do if I fail? Wonder if I can fail – intentionally? Hmmmm. Does make one think. Well, getting ready to complete the routine. Do Love and Miss you All. Doug

BUSH GARDEN

28JUN07. Thursday. Yet another day of fun. Managed to chat with the family again last night. Our son had been on a little trip this past week with his grandparents. And yes, he had a good time. Apparently they stopped by my sister’s house and visited his cousin for a while. Then off to Bush Garden for some rides. Needless to say, he was pooped when he got home. But, he relayed that it was good to be back home and crash in his own rack. I know just how he feels. The eldest girl has some more job applications to fill out. Hopefully, one of these will return a job. Ahh, the adventure begins. The middle girl is exercising around the block in preparation for band camp. Gosh, they are having more fun that I am. Wish I had something exciting to report on. Well, I’m safe, have my health, and a lot of folks who love me. What else can I ask for???? Doug

DAILY REQUIRMENT OF VITAMINS

27JUN07. Wednesday. Another fun-filled day of work here in the sandbox. Got an intense rainstorm just a little while ago. Managed to find all the leaks in the Hootch. Luckily, none of them are over my rack - the simple things which make me happy. Unfortunately, I did not have enough time to practice my putting skills last night. I’ll have to try and work on them when I get a chance. Was able to update my blog last night. Sadly, I missed a couple of days. Work has just been terrible. Also, I have a couple of the new guys coming down with the Crud. Hopefully, I’ll be spared. And yes, I’ve been taking my vitamins. Well, in my humble attempt to stay healthy, I’m going to sign off for now. Doug